'Significant calm' in Gabon, government spokesman affirms

The situation in Gabon is gradually returning to normal following post electoral crisis in disputed elections won by Ali Bongo Ondimba.

At least two people have been killed and several wounded during clashes between protesters and police.

“I can say that today the situation has witnessed significant calm. It is true that circulation in Libreville is not yet normal. But we are not yet in the peak of violence experienced here on the 31st,” Ali Bongo’s spokesman, Alain Bilie Bi Nze said.

Gabonese authorities have called on Jean Ping to ensure that calm reigns. The president’s camp says it will be important for Ping and his supporters to stop fueling violence though provocative declarations.

Describing as manipulation information that Ping’s headquarters in Libreville was attacked, Bongo’s camp has warned Jean Ping’s lawyer in France, Robert Bourgi, to stop exaggerating the number of deaths in the post-electoral clashes.

“Mr Ping has been a known opponent of Bongo for years. For several years Mr Ping enters and leaves the territory freely. Even after insulting Ali Bongo in the media, he has never been bothered. He circulates freely. If his life was to be threatened today, the threats will not be from the government,” the president’s spokesman added.

Later on Friday, Gabon’s authorities announced that they have freed opposition party leaders detained at Jean Ping ‘s campaign Headquarters.

The announcement comes after repeated calls from France and the international community.

France, the United States and the European Union have requested that detailed results per polling station should be published. A proposal rejected by Bongo’s camp which on Thursday described the opposition as ‘splinter groups trained for destruction.’